Radiation Science and Engineering Center

Radiation Science and Engineering Center

While it’s common knowledge for many people that Penn State is a global leader in science, technology and engineering, some don’t realize is that Penn State also is home to the longest-running university nuclear reactor in America. “Penn State Power: 60 Years of the Radiation Science and Engineering Center” — on display July 8-Aug. 19 in Sidewater Commons in Pattee and Paterno Libraries — honors the center’s longstanding reputation for nuclear energy education, research and service.

An effort to meet the growing need for trained nuclear security professionals passed a milestone recently as the first graduates from a joint effort by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Penn State, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Texas A&M were announced.

Penn State has received a $2.6 million contract from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to create a nuclear security education program. "Acquisition of nuclear and radioactive materials for use in weapons of mass destruction and other acts of terrorism is one of the major threats to global security. The DOE and other federal agencies wanted to know how to prevent nuclear terrorism," explained Kenan Unlu, director of Penn State's Radiation Science and Engineering Center, professor of nuclear engineering and the grant's principal investigator.

Candace Davison, research and education specialist and supervisor of reactor operations at the Penn State Radiation Science and Engineering Center, was recognized by American Nuclear Society (ANS) President Joe Colvin for her leadership role as chair of the ANS Public Information Committee during the Japan nuclear crisis.